Rx Procedures

The Chiropractic Adjustment

(Also see "Your First Chiropractic Adjustment" under “For the Patient”

The chiropractic adjustment is also referred to as a spinal "manipulation". During this procedure, the doctor applies his / her hands to the area of the spine to be treated in such a way as to mobilize the joints. Most commonly, the doctor will administer a quick, short hands-on movement to the joint. The joint usually elicits a "pop" or "crack," similar to when "cracking" one’s knuckles. Patients usually sense movement of the joint.

The goal of the chiropractic spinal manipulation is to :

Increase the joint mobility / range of motion.
Relieve pain
Reduce muscle spasm
Restore optimal joint function

Joint mobilization

Mobilization is a form of stretching that is applied to stiff joints in order to optimize and restore range of motion, relieve pain and reduce muscle tension. These procedures consist of small passive movements, usually applied as a series of gentle stretches in a smooth, rhythmic fashion to the individual's joints. Mobilizations may be administered in various gradations or degrees of pressure, depending upon the sensitivity and stiffness of an individual's joints.

Soft Tissue Therapies

Trigger point therapy

During this procedure, deep manual pressure is applied to and held on sensitive pressure points within muscles. This procedure usually reproduces discomfort in the area of a patient’s complaint, as well as under the point or pressure. Trigger point therapy is used to relieve painful trigger points and their characteristic referred symptoms.

The Graston Technique is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and soft tissue restrictions. The Technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue scar tissue or chronic inflammation. www.GrastonTechnique.com